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If you are in the market for a new laptop, Dell Latitude or XPS models might be interesting. Both of these are premium laptop lines — with a few important differences to keep in mind before opting for either.
Latitude is Dell’s series of business-oriented laptops. It includes different models focused on portability, durability, and security.
Dell XPS includes some of the best laptops in 2023 aimed at prosumers, such as gamers and video editors, who want cutting-edge performance.
Each of these lines has many advantages — and few drawbacks. In this post you’ll find a detailed Dell Latitude vs XPS review to help you make a final decision. Read on!
Dell Latitude is a premium laptop line
Table of Contents
- Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Performance
- Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Upgradability
- Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Build Quality
- Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Screen
- Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Keyboard and Trackpad
- Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Design and Weight
- Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Webcam and Speakers
- Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Port Selection
- Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Battery Life and Portability
- Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Price Range
- Is Dell Latitude a Good Work Laptop?
- Head-to-Head: Summary of Results
- Our Top Pick: Dell Latitude or Dell XPS?
Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Performance
Performance is important for any type of laptop. Whether you’re a regular business user, gamer, or prosumer, you don’t want a laggy device.
Both Latitude and XPS lines feature high-end Intel processors. If you’re looking for solid productivity performance, either laptop will comfortably open multiple tabs and programs and handle the tasks well.
However, if you’re into more demanding tasks, such as video and photo editing, 3D modeling, or gaming, then the XPS 15 or 17 will suit you better.
Winner: Although both laptops can handle similar tasks, the XPS has a better CPU performance than the Latitude.
Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Upgradability
Dell Latitude models have no room for upgrades. So, make sure to pick the right amount of RAM and SSD when buying these.
On the other hand, some Dell XPS models can be upgraded. For example, you can upgrade the SSD, as well as the RAM in XPS 15 and 17. Upgrading the RAM can further boost performance and future-proof the machine, so I generally always recommend it.
Winner: XPS laptops can be upgraded, while Latitude models can’t.
Some Dell XPS models can be upgraded.
Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Build Quality
Thanks to their aluminum build, the XPS devices have a premium look with enough sturdiness to get through the longest corporate workdays.
The Latitude laptops, on the other hand, are made of plastic. Yet, they are durable, so you won’t have to worry about the occasional tumble when taking them on a trip.
Winner: Both lines come with a solid build, but the XPS devices have a more sleek and elegant look.
Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Screen
The Dell Latitude line has HD (1366 x 768) or Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolutions. The FHD option gives great colors and display clarity. If you need a laptop for work, you’ll appreciate the Latitude’s low-power panels.
Unlike Latitude, the XPS series offers high-end UHD (3840 x 2160) OLED displays. These brilliant and colorful screens have the best color accuracy, perfect for photo and video editing. With a brightness level of 500 nits, they’re also great to use even in direct sunlight. Dell XPS is one of the best 4K gaming laptops available on the market today.
Winner: XPS
Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Keyboard and Trackpad
Both Latitude and XPS series laptops offer excellent backlit keyboards with great key layouts and pressure sensitivity.
The Dell Latitude lineup has higher keys, with the exception of the 3k series’ keyboard, which is somewhat shallow. Latitude also has extra keys for security and privacy, for example a button to turn off the webcam.
Dell XPS laptops, on the other hand, have a more shallow feel, but the overall typing experience is pretty comfortable.
As for the touchpads, both series offer great solutions. The business-oriented Latitude laptops have a smart touchpad with different features for Zoom meetings, like toggling the microphone and screen-sharing buttons.
Winner: Latitude
The business-oriented Latitude laptops have a smart touchpad with different features for Zoom meetings.
Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Design and Weight
The Latitude lineup includes 13, 14, and 15-inch devices in the forms of clamshells, convertible 2-in-1s, and detachable tablets, with different configurations, warranties, and prices.
The XPS series covers similar form factors in 13, 15, and 17-inch sizes. These devices are generally thinner and lighter compared to the Latitude.
Both lineups have their pros and cons — the XPS design screams quality and portability, but the bulky Latitude laptops are not that far behind with front-facing speakers for better audio quality.
Winner: Draw
Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Webcam and Speakers
If you’re working from home, webcam quality is an important feature when choosing a laptop. The Dell XPS series provides better image quality thanks to its 720p HD webcam. But, Latitude’s VGA webcam is still perfectly adequate for most video conferences.
When it comes to speakers, XPS is no match for Latitude. XPS’ small speakers produce loud, yet muffled sound, while Latitude’s intelligent audio system provides crisp and clear sound, along with four noise-canceling microphones.
Winner: Latitude
Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Port Selection
The Latitude lineup offers a variety of ports: a lock slot, audio jack, USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.0, two Thunderbolt 4 with power and DisplayPort delivery, two USB-C ports, SD memory card slot and smart card reader slot.
The XPS series, however, gives you two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, along with two adapters in the box: one for USB-A and another 3.5mm headset. There is no 3.5mm jack or any kind of SD card slot.
Winner: If you are looking for more traditional business use, Latitude is better for you.
Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Battery Life and Portability
Depending on what you’re doing, the XPS series will give you up to 12 hours of battery life, which is pretty decent for such a thin and compact device.
Yet, thanks to its thickness, the Latitude fits in an 88Wh battery for an impressive life of 18 hours or even more.
Winner: Latitude
As for the weight, although the Latitude models are thicker and more robust, they are only slightly heavier than the XPS devices. So, the portability doesn’t vary much between these two series.
Winner: Draw
Dell Latitude vs. Dell XPS Price Range
XPS laptops are more expensive because of the high-quality materials, better processors, graphics cards, and display.
The prices of Latitude laptops range from $700 to more than $3000 depending on the model and configuration, while the XPS devices start from $850 and can go over $4000.
Winner: Depending on your needs, you might want to invest more or less money in your new laptop, so we’ll call this a draw.
Is Dell Latitude a Good Work Laptop?
Generally speaking, the Latitude devices will give you everything you want from a business laptop – solid performance at basic tasks, a wide range of ports, and great battery life. However, the features will vary depending on the model you choose:
- Latitude 3k – unlike other Latitude models, this one has a thinner, lighter and shallower keyboard
- Latitude 5k – a reliable workhorse laptop with plastic build and ISO-compliant keyboard
- Latitude 7k – a premium, thinner device made of carbon fiber
- Latitude 9k – an ultra-premium laptop with CNC shells and premium options such as 5G connectivity
Head-to-Head: Summary of Results
| Dell Latitude | Dell XPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | – | Winner (1) |
| Upgradability | – | Winner (1) |
| Build Quality | – | Winner (1) |
| Screen | – | Winner (1) |
| Keyboard and Trackpad | Winner (1) | – |
| Design and Weight | Tie (1) | Tie (1) |
| Webcam and Speakers | Winner (1) | – |
| Port Selection | Winner (1) | – |
| Battery Life | Winner (1) | – |
| Portability | Tie (1) | Tie (1) |
| Price Range | Tie (1) | Tie (1) |
| SUMMARY | 7 Points | 7 Points |
Our Top Pick: Dell Latitude or Dell XPS?
If you plan on using your device mostly for business, the Latitude series will give you better battery life, connectivity and functionality. On the other hand, if you’re looking for mixed use, including photo and video editing, or gaming, then an XPS laptop is more up your alley.
Which one you’ll choose really depends on your needs, but rest assured – these are great laptops.
If you want to expand your search beyond these two lines, check out our list of 7 Best Dell Laptops [For Everyone]. And if you’re considering other brands, our comparison of MSI vs Alienware laptops might help.
So which one would you pick and what for? Let us know in the comment section below.
